HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE

INTERIM OF 2008

COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Rep. Clift Tsuji, Chair

Rep. Jessica Wooley, Vice Chair

COMMITTEE ON WATER, LAND, & OCEAN RESOURCES

Rep. Ken Ito, Chair

Rep. Sharon E. Har, Vice Chair

NOTICE OF MEETING

DATE:	Friday, December 05, 2008
TIME:	10:00 a.m.
PLACE:	Conference Room 325 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street

A G E N D A

The purpose of this joint information briefing is to provide the committees an update from individuals and agribusinesses on the overall status of Hawaii’s agricultural industry.  As the economy continues to struggle, the committee would like to hear from the private sector on the challenges, opportunities, and solutions to stimulating agricultural businesses in Hawaii.

Invited Speakers:

· Dean Okimoto, President, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation “Over View”

· Buddy Nobriga, Nobriga Ranch “Farmer and Rancher Perspective”

· Meredith Ching, Alexander & Baldwin “Large Landowner/Farmer Perspective”

· Yvonne Izu, Esq. “Legal Review and Status on Hawaii’s Agricultural Water”

· Paul Matsuo / Yuki Kitagawa, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation “Agricultural Infrastructure”

· Alicia Maluafiti, Executive Director, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association “Seed    Industry”

· Richard Ha, President, Hamakua Springs “Farm to Energy”

· Eric Tanouye, Greenpoint Nursery "Marketing Agricultural Trends"

· Kylie Matsuda, Matsuda & Fukuyama Farms “Agricultural Marketing”

· Warren Watanabe, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation “Transportation”

· Dean Okimoto, President, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation “Closing Remarks”

No public testimony will be accepted.  If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at

586-8480 at least 24 hours prior to the hearing for arrangements.  Prompt requests submitted help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.

________________________________________ Rep. Ken Ito Chair

________________________________________ Rep. Clift Tsuji Chair